Fall 2025

An in-depth look at the art, politics, and cultural impact of several Japanese filmmakers including Isao Takahata, Hayao Miyazaki, Satoshi Kon, Mamoru Hosoda and Makoto Shinkai.

History and application of proven collaborative design processes and methodologies as they relate to ideation and innovation.

Mediterranean and European art and architecture presented in historical, cultural and social context that introduces art history as a discipline.

An introduction to the major art forms and monuments of religious art in India, Southeast Asia, China and Japan from prehistory to1300.

Studies the art and visual culture of the United States from nation formation to the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893.

Explores key moments in the history of photography from its invention to the present. Issues include modernity and mass culture; photography as a fine art; technologies of vision.

A world-wide perspective of architectural history as a product of social, cultural, religious and political dimensions, 1500 CE to present.

Lecture-studio course on the theory and history behind contemporary art, design, and visual communication; students also create work, informed by ideas from the lecture.

Classical Greek and Roman mythology as inspiration for literature, art, music, and film in various historical contexts.

Fashion as a form of communication and culture; fashion's role in identity, body politics, art, nationhood, celebrity and Hollywood culture, youth cultures and subversive practices.

A loosely chronological, thematic survey of art, visual culture, design, and critical theory from the early modern period through modernism (1500 1950).

Introductory course in the study of cinematic arts. Study of technique, aesthetics, criticism, and social implications of cinema consisting of lectures, screenings and discussions.

The development of international cinema from its beginnings to World War II. Lectures, screenings, and discussions.

The television writer as an agent of change across current social issues including, but not limited to: race, gender, and class.

Examination of the role of dance in popular culture in a classroom setting. Studies of dance styles and their evolution in recreational and professional contexts through research, observation, and practice.

Gateway to the minor in dance. An interdisciplinary overview of dance relating to the aesthetic and art in various subjects. Applications of the elements of dance studies, art criticism, and viewing productions to explore topic such as architecture, photography, poetry, technology, cinematic arts, sports, medicine, and more.

Introduction to the history and practice of Urban Folk Dance including hip hop, freestyle, street dance and the relevant social dances of the 20th century.

Analyzes gender and sexuality in dance by investigating a broad, international framework of embodied performance including film, television, music videos and live performance.

Exploration of the discursive foundations, political motivations, and aesthetic strategies of dance writers and artists whose works have enabled the category of "black dance."

Examining the role that vernacular dance and music play in the creation of Jazz Dance, taught in lecture format; practical studies in Jazz Dance, from recreational to professional settings.

An overview of the creative design process and introduction to techniques to solve visual problems.

A comprehensive study of visual communication focusing on graphic design from 1900 to the present. An introduction to design thinking, language and principles including political and cultural implications.

The multifaceted history of the creative act, its analysis, production, and context as a representation of human experience. (Satisfies GE-A, The Arts) Open only to Freshmen.

The multifaceted history of the creative act, its analysis, production, and context as a representation of human experience. Offered by a USC professional school.

The history of popular music particularly as developed in America in the 20th and early 21st centuries.

A study of the musical styles and genres from antiquity through early modern periods within their historical context. Detailed analysis of selected works.

Exploration of music and cultures of the world. Engagement with international musicians, global issues, field work and musical diasporas in Los Angeles.

Exploration of musical styles and elements, creative process and social context through active listening and engagement with live performances on the USC campus.

An introduction to Western art music and culture from the Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic and Modern eras through reading, listening, analyzing and writing about music.

A uniquely American genre, the Broadway musical serves as a catalyst for inquiry into human diversity, cross-culturalism, and significant social and political issues.

The origins and development of EDM and its relatives such as disco, house, techno, rave and electronica, focusing on cultural and technological influences.

A chronicle of the musical contribution of Africans and African Americans to American society and to the foundations of musical genres and styles throughout the world.

A history of hip-hop music from its inception to the present: its musical processes and styles, as well as attendant social, political and cultural issues.

An exploration of musical practices and styles which reflect and shape national identities and which focus on those created in response to political turmoil in many forms.

Immerses students in criticism, scholarship, and creative writing dealing with popular music. Students participate in that discourse through developing their own authorial voices.

Historical survey of the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie that explores their contributions to contemporary notions of "masculinity," "Empire," and "classic rock."

A comprehensive overview and understanding of how stand-up evolved in the United States, from the mid-1800's to the current touring performers.

Introduction to the theater and its relationship to society through major plays in film versions. Separate screenings to be arranged.

Comedy and Performance traces the history of comedy in performance from its earliest incarnations to the present day.

An exploration of the phenomena of stardom and celebrity across media, entertainment, sports and social influence, ranging from early modern theatre to current day.